The real motivation behind Trump’s attack on Canada

Published March 19, 2025 3:04pm ET



President Donald Trump repeated his desire to have Canada join the United States in an interview with Laura Ingraham on Tuesday.

“Canada was meant to be the 51st state,” he said. “We subsidize Canada by over $200 billion a year. We don’t need their lumber, we don’t need their energy, we don’t need anything. We certainly don’t want their automobiles. Millions of automobiles are sent in. I’d rather have them made in Michigan.”

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.